Catalina Cruiser to get 60 days off ahead of 2019 campaign

ARCADIA, Calif. – A nuclear scan this week on Catalina Cruiser revealed nothing of consequence, but trainer John Sadler plans to give him an extended freshening following his dull sixth as the favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

“We’re going to give him 60 days off and then bring him back for next year,” Sadler said. “We’re looking at an all-year campaign; he’s the big horse.”

Catalina Cruiser, owned by Hronis Racing, won his first four starts in decisive fashion before the BC Dirt Mile misfire. Sadler is still scratching his head over the uncharacteristic performance. Favored at 9-10, Catalina Cruiser was beaten more than 17 lengths in the Dirt Mile.

“I don’t have a great answer,” Sadler said, speculating he did not handle the surface. “He didn’t seem comfortable, he didn’t run his race. I just think it’s still kind of a question mark with Churchill Downs.”

Sadler said Catalina Cruiser, 4 for 5 with Grade 2 victories at Del Mar in the San Diego Handicap and Pat O’Brien, could return in April. His 2019 campaign will focus on two turns.

Even while Catalina Cruiser takes a break and Accelerate retires, Sadler and Hronis Racing will have representation in the winter handicap division with recently acquired 5-year-old Gift Box. A three-time winner from 13 starts, Gift Box worked a bullet six furlongs Wednesday at Santa Anita and is targeting the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes on Dec. 26, opening day of the Santa Anita winter meet.